Asia shipwreck (approximate site)

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The steamer Asia set out into Georgian Bay from Parry Sound on September 13, 1882, even though the "boisterous wind" was causing "mountainous seas."
The ship was overloaded with winter supplies for the northern logging communities and had approximately 125 people on board.
By the next day, when the boat reached the open lake, it was evident that she would not survive. Capt. Savage tried to head for an island to beach her, and ordered the cargo thrown overboard
The ship was within sight of Lonely Island when "about 11:30, she pitched up at the head and went down stern first, the cabins breaking off and the boats floating off as she did so."
Several lifeboats were launched, but they all disappeared.
Only two survivors were rescued, Duncan A. Tinkiss, who was 17, and Christina Ann Morrison, listed as "under twenty." The lifeboat with Tinkiss and Morisson aboard repeatedly turned over; it initially held more than 20 people, but only seven, including the captain, managed to stay aboard -- and all but the two teenagers were dead by the end of the day. Unable to control the boat due to the loss of the oars, they were finally rescued by a sailing craft.

The loss of the Asia was one of the worst maritime disasters to ever occur on Lake Huron and one of the top 13 in terms of lives lost in the history of the Great Lakes.

In a macabre aftermath of the tragedy, several local residents, including a lighthouse keeper, were brought up on charges for allegedly stealing valuables from the bodies of the victims that washed up on Manitoulin Island.

The wreck has never been found.